The Cross River State Government has felicitated with journalists in the State on the occasion of 2018 World Press Freedom Day.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. RoseMary Archibong conveyed the State Government's felicitations during a visit to the Ernest Etim Bassey NUJ Press Centre, State Housing Estate, Calabar, where she cut a commemorative cake with leaders of the Union to celebrate the day.
"On behalf of the government and good people of Cross River State, I heartily congratulate and rejoice with all Journalists in the country, especially those working in our dear State as well as all stakeholders in the media industry on this auspicious occasion of the 2018 World Press Freedom Day," the Commissioner remarked.
Mrs. Archibong, who described this year's World Press Freedom Day theme, "Keeping Powers in Check; Media, Justice, and the Rule of Law," as very tasking given the evolving competing interests by the Executive and Legislature during this politically active season in our Democracy, making reference to the current imbroglio between the National Assembly and the system.
"Justice and the Rule of Law at times like this may be viewed subjectively and interpreted variously. It behoves the Press to present matured reportage that will not further heat up the polity," Mrs. Archibong added.
The Information and Orientation Boss also thanked Journalists in the State for the co-operation and their assiduousness in partnering with the Ben Ayade-led administration. She solicited for the continuous symbiotic relationship with government for the overall interest of good governance and the people of the State.
Archibong implored Journalists to balance freedom of expression and the rule of law, as well as serve as major stakeholders in the electoral process, recalling that the emancipation of Nigeria as a sovereign state was largely through the instrumentality of the Press.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Cross River State Chapter, Comrade Victor Udu expressed delight with the Information and Orientation Commissioner for always keeping the World Press Freedom Day in mind and finding time to celebrate with Journalists in the State.
Comrade Udu also lauded Mrs. Archibong's leadership disposition towards the NUJ and information management in the State. He further promised that Journalists in the State will always play their role in order to give Cross River a better outing in all fronts.
Since 1993, the United Nations General Assembly set aside 3rd of May annually as World Press Freedom Day. This day was adopted by member countries of the United Nations to commemorate the rights, violence, molestations, hazards, discrimination and other difficulties faced by Media Workers in the course of performing their legitimate duties around the world.
Kingsley Agim
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